Help Diamond Rust Get Justice: Amend the WMATA Compact

Diamond Rust was brutally beaten in front of her 1-year old and 3 year old children by an undercover Metro Transit Police Officer named John Graham on February 6, 2018 at approximately 3:10 p.m. in Washington, D.C. on Alabama Ave, SE. The officer broke several of her teeth and right knee in the process of arresting her for allegedly failing to pay $2.25 in bus fare.

WMATA is immune from liability for any civil claims involving its governmental functions, including police operations. This means that Ms. Rust's attorney cannot sue WMATA for the civil rights violations allegedly committed by Officer Graham.

We need to urge Washington area leaders (DC, MD and VA) to create an exception in the WMATA Compact that allows citizens whose civil rights are violated by Metro Transit officers to bring claims against WMATA under 42 U.S.C. Section 1983 (federal law that prohibits the use of excessive force). Will you sign on to make justice more accessible for people like Diamond who are injured by Metro Transit Police?

I started this petition because...I am a civil rights attorney and solo practitioner in Washington, D.C. I am very passionate about this case but the legal obstacles are real. I need men and women of all backgrounds to take a stand with me. The goal of the petition is to call DMV-area leaders and residents to take action so that we can collectively urge WMATA to amend the "WMATA Compact" which currently prevents DC residents like Diamond from suing WMATA for the unlawful acts of its police officers. Will you take a stand with us by signing on?